HOOVER, Ala. (AP) -- Quarterback James Franklin and Missouri are hoping for a happier season.

First things first: Franklin must beat out two challengers for the starting job. The Tigers had their first losing season since 2004 in the program's debut year in the Southeastern Conference.

Coach Gary Pinkel said Tuesday at SEC media days that injuries to Franklin and a number of offensive linemen hurt his team but adds that "I'm paid to overcome anything that happens to us." He says Missouri is "very, very hungry."

Franklin was coming off a terrific sophomore season but missed three games and parts of three more with injuries last season.

Pinkel says he considers Franklin his No. 1 quarterback but the competition will be open when preseason practice starts.

1:55 p.m.

HOOVER, AL -- The Missouri Football Team came to SEC Media Days in 2012 with plenty of confidence and optimism. By the end of last year's campaign, most of that goodwill had worn away.

Missouri struggled through a 5-7 season during it's first campaign in the SEC. That included three losses in the team's last four games, costing the Tigers a trip to a bowl game.

One year later, the Tigers return to Hoover looking to recapture their form from their days in the Big 12. There's reason for optimism in Columbia this season thanks to the return of quarterback James Franklin.

He'll have some weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers L'Damian Washington and Dorial Green-Beckham. The Tigers are appearing at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, led by Head Coach Gary Pinkel, Franklin, Washington and linebacker Andrew Wilson.

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